Folding table



May Z4, 1932.

J. A. KEHRER FOLDING TABLE Filed March '5, 1929 Patented May 24, 1932 A UNITED STATES JOSEPH A. KEHRER, OF COLUMBUS, OHIO FOLDING TABLE Application led March 5,

This invention relates to folding tables and has for one of its objects to provide a table of this character with novel means for maintaining and locking the legs thereof in a vertical position when extended and for holdings the legs in collapsed position or in parallelism with respect to the surface of the table when the table is stored away or when not in active use.

Another object of the invention resides in the provision of a table which is simple in its construction, strong, durable, compact when folded, conveniently set up when desired and comparatively inexpensive to manufacture.

With these and other objects in view the invention consists in the novel construction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts hereinafter to be fully described and pointed out in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a table formed in accordance with the present invention,

Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the 25 under side of one end of the table and the mechanism for holding the legs in an extended position,

Figure 3 is a similar view showing the legs in a folded position,

Figure 4 is a detailed vertical sectional view taken on the line 4 4 of Figure 2.

Referring more particularly to theV drawings, the numeral 1 designates the top of the table, which is preferably of a rectangular form or contour. Mounted on the under surface of the top 1 is a pair of spaced longitudinally extending bars or brace members 2 and 3 which extend substantially the full length of the table top 1 and are positioned near the longitudinal edges thereof.

Pivotally connected as at 4 and 5 to the outer ends of the bars 2 and 3 are leg members 6 and 7, which are connected in pairs by means of strips 8 secured to the opposite ends of thel legs 6 and 7 The strips are also positioned on the leg members so that one of their edges are flush with the upper end edges of the legs and abut against the under side of the table top 1 when the legs are in an extended posi- 50 tion. Thus, the strips 8 together with the 192ai serial No. 344,348.

bars 2 and 3 form a rectangular frame which serves to brace the top 1 both longitudinallyl and verticallyrthereofandY at the same time give thetable a finished appearance.

Arranged between and pivotally connected, as at 9, to an intermediate portion of the leg members 6 and 7 are triangularly formed linksr lO which extend in opposite directions with respect to each other. Each of these links include a pair of upwardly and angu-Q larly directed braces 11 and 12 which kare united near their outer ends by a transversely extending connecting bar13. The inner ends of the braces 11 and 12 are pivotally connected to a sliding 'bar 14 arranged in the longitudinal centerof the table top l and are positioned on the under side thereof. Thebars 14 are guided for sliding movement within a pair of spaced brackets 15 and 16 which are secured by means of screws or other fastening elements v17 to the under side ofthe table. The spring 18 is secured tothe bracket 16 and positioned between the bar 14 and the top 1V serving to force the bar in a downward direction so as to frictionally engage with the lower part of the brackets thus holding the leg members securely in their folded position. To lock the leg members of the table in their extended position and to prevent accidental collapse thereof each of the bars 14 are provided with a notch 20 in the lower edge thereof which is of a width substantially equal to y that of the lower bar of the bracket 16. The

notches 20 are adapted to register with and to receive the brackets 16 due to the action of the springs 18 when the legs are in their extended position, as will be readily understood by referring to Figures 2 and 3 of the drawings. When it is desired to fold the legs the bars 14 are pressed against the action of the springs l8'so as to disengage the notches from the brackets 16 permitting the bars to be shifted inwardly upon the swinging of the legs, as will be obvious.

From the foregoing description taken in conjunction with the drawing, it will be seen that a folding table of simple and durable `construction is provided and that the same may be easily and quickly manipulated to support Y the table in an elevated position or to permit the saine to be collapsed when not needed in active use. The many advantages of the folding table can be readily understood and although I have illustrated the preferred form and arrangement of the various parts, it Will be understood that the invention is susceptible lof considerable modification Without de arting from the essential features or sacri Jcing any ofthe advantages thereof'whi'ch Will fall fairly Within the scope of Vthe invention as claimed.

What is claimed is 1. A folding table comprising a top,l,two y e pairs of end legs pivoted to said top7 tWo sets of brackets arranged ceritrally-and1 l'ongitu-V dinally ofthe table, a bar slidably mounted in each set ofsaid'j brackets, tri'angularl'yr formed linls connecting said bars' and said legs, said bars being formed With notches in their loW- en edges z'td'apte'd'to` receive certain of saidv' brackets, and spring members engagingy with the bars andserving to maintain the sliding bars `in any one of vtheir set positions.

2.- Affolding table comprising a top, two

.25v y10a-irsotjendlegs pivoted to said top, two sets L ofbrackets arranged centrally and longitudinally-ofthe table7 a'bar slidably mounted in each setof saidb-rackets, angularly Vformed links-connectingsaid bars and said legs, said` 3g` bars being formed With notches in their lower edges adapted to receive certain of said bracketsgandspringmembers engaging the bars andfserving'to'maintain the notches of said bars in engagement with said brackets. when 3:5.1tl'1ey leg members arein their extended'posii tions.

In testimony WhereoI aiiix my signature. Y

JOSEPH A. KEHRER; 

